Driving in a Blizzard

Since I spent many winters driving in a blizzard I know the hazards quite well as a driver.

First of all many people from Southern California and some from northern California have never driven before when there is snow on the road or falling on the road and so have never experienced putting their brakes on while going downhill and either going sideways or spinning in their car on the road. Those of us who have survived (more than once) doing this have learned better how to survive these situations. First, unless you really have to be out there don't go. That is the place to start, because literally anytime you drive when there is snow or ice on the road it could be fatal. And just starting talking this way is important especially for people not used to driving in these conditions.

However, since many people are trying desperately to go see loved ones and 1 in 4 people are traveling this Christmas season in the U.S. because the cost of Gas and Diesel is lower than it had been and other factors it is important to "get there safely". So, if you aren't comfortable driving in snow (especially between South of Dunsmuir and past Weed, California and then up over Mt. Ashland Pass (which is usually the worst snow accumulations and dangers by the way on Interstate 5 north or south), here are some tips.

1. Carry chains or bar chains
2. Don't try to travel in the snow after about 5 or 6 pm because it inceases your risks exponentially.
3. If you are driving along and gaining altitude watch your windshield or have someone in the front seat watching the windshield for rain turning into snow as it hits the windshield.  As you start to see the first signs of rain turning to snow start to slow down a little while watching what the rest of the traffic is doing. (You don't want to slow down so much that someone hits you from behind.)

While in a full blizzard situation you usually don't want to be going over 25 or 30 mph especially if you have chains on unless you want to see one of your fenders explode when the chain is thrown possibly upward at velocity or even worse problems than this.

4. If you driving a front wheel drive car the good thing about this is more traction on your front wheels where the engine is. The bad thing about this is going downhill in the snow. If the road is slippery the rear end of a front wheel drive car tends to start sliding around towards the front even with the brakes off when it is in gear while you are driving forwards. Sometimes if it does this you can put on your hand emergency brake if it is to your right between the seats. However make sure the release is on so you don't lock it on and kill yourself. So, don't do this unless you are really knowledgeable regarding cars or your car in specific.

So, basically if you aren't a very skilled driver to begin with, driving in the snow just makes everything about 10 to 20 times more difficult. So, if you don't have to do it then don't.